Pool manager salary approved

A full-time manager of the London Municipal Pool will earn $8,000 for the five-month season, following action by city council on Thursday, April 3.

But council stalled on a resolution to add another $12,500 for personnel and $22,500 for operation of the recreation department.

Safety-services director Steve Hume said he’s received inquiries from at least three possible applicants for the pool manager’s position. The job starts April 15 and runs to Sept. 15.

Council member Rodney Lauer’s resolution to add $35,000 to the parks and recreation budget for 2014 drew lengthy debate on Thursday.

Lauer argued increased funding leads to increased revenue for the department as more residents participate in city-sponsored athletic programs.

Recreation director Ben McCoy agreed. He noted attendance at the pool increased last year due to improved facilities. Sign-ups for youth basketball, volleyball and baseball teams are also on the upswing, requiring more time and staff.

Mayor Dave Eades said his goal is self-funding for the recreation department with fees and memberships covering all expenses.

But council members Steve Scaggs, Dick Minner, Roger Morris and president Pat Closser weren’t convinced.

Scaggs said the city must be able to sustain any new recreation expenditures beyond 2014.

Morris asked auditor Katie Hensel for a current breakdown of recreation department expenses and revenues by the April 17 council meeting.

In other meeting business on Thursday, council:

• Agreed to rezone 6.7 acres on North Main Street from residential to business at the request of Jane Herman, following a public hearing. Herman plans to build an assisted living facility on the land.

• Voted to support renewal of the Ohio Capital Improvements Program. The renewal will appear on the May 6 ballot as state Issue One.

• Authorized Hume to contract with the Ohio Department of Transportation to purchase road salt at bulk rate.